P4 medicine and industry collaboration accelerate health technology in Tampere

At a networking event held in Tampere in May, the internationally emerging field of P4 medicine was combined with innovations from health technology companies. The goal of the day was to bring together researchers, companies, and public sector actors—and to create opportunities for new collaborations in building the future of healthcare.

P4 Medicine Seminar: Science for More Personalized Care

The morning began with a joint seminar by Tampere University and Business Tampere, focusing on predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory P4 medicine. The seminar was opened by Seppo Parkkila, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, who presented ongoing P4-related research in Tampere.

Speakers included Professor Jari Hyttinen, who showcased digital twin modeling for heart diseases; Professor Olli Yli-Harja, who discussed the role of digital twins in P4 medicine; and Professor Juhana Frösen, who explained from a clinician’s perspective why P4 medicine is needed.

Senior Lecturer Arja Halkoaho from TAMK introduced new perspectives on genomics research and education in nursing, while Kati Kristiansson, Director of Research and Development at the Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, presented collaborative development initiatives in the region.

Matti Eskola, Director of Development at Atostek, gave the company keynote, focusing on patient data management and new initiatives in the implementation of digital treatments. To conclude the morning, Parkkila announced new MET funding to support P4 medicine research.

Digital Health 3 Project Launched in the Afternoon

In the afternoon, Business Tampere officially launched the Digital Health 3 (DH3) project, aimed at advancing health technology, artificial intelligence, and data-driven wellbeing. The project supports the Tampere Health ecosystem strategy, which envisions Tampere becoming the world’s leading region for piloting and adopting major health innovations by 2035.

Key focus areas include the development of test platforms, industry collaboration, innovation-driven procurement, and expanding export opportunities.

Heli Paavola from WitMill presented the Tampere Health ecosystem strategy and roadmap. Ilona Raitakari, Account Manager at Business Tampere, outlined specific DH3 activities, including the development of test platforms, international collaboration, innovation-driven procurement models, and joint projects with partners such as Pirha and TAMK.

“Research, AI, commercialization, and user-centricity go hand in hand,” Raitakari summarized.

Jari Ahola, EU Funding Account Manager at Business Tampere, highlighted funding opportunities for P4 development projects. Other speakers included Timo Erkkilä, CEO of Veracell, who emphasized the potential for SMEs to participate in the development work.

The day concluded with a workshop where participants explored new project ideas in areas such as AI, digital twins, and preventive care

Towards Global Impact

The networking day demonstrated that Tampere is ready to take a global role in data-driven, personalized healthcare. Participants included universities, the Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, companies, organizations—as well as international funders and research networks.

Digital Health 3 is part of the broader Tampere Health strategy, which has an ambitious vision for 2035: to make Tampere the world’s leading region for piloting and implementing major health innovations.

The project has a total budget of €1.5 million and is coordinated by Business Tampere in cooperation with Pirha and higher education institutions in Tampere.

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